I. There are at least three reasons why Jesus Christ was crucified with two other men.
1. Fulfillment of prophesy
2. Symbolism
3. A teaching opportunity

II. Fulfillment of prophesy
1. Isa 53:9 - And he made his grave with the wicked,...
2. Isa 53:12 - ...he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
3. Mar 15:28 - And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
4. Luk 22:37 - For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

III. Symbolism
1. Being crucified with sinners was a picture of Jesus becoming a man and being made sin for us.
A. Heb 2:16 - For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
B. Heb 2:17 - Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
C. 2Co 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2. Jesus suffering with sinners was a picture of Him being touched with the feelings of our infirmities.
A. Heb 2:18 - For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
B. Heb 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
C. Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

IV. A teaching opportunity.
1. From the account of Christ being crucified with others we learn:
2. to not rail back at those that rail at us.
A. Mar 15:32 - ...And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
B. 1Pe 2:23 - Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
3. that unregenerate men will not change under even the most severe punishment.
A. Luk 23:39 - And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
B. Rev 16:9 - And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
4. that God can regenerate a person and give him a new heart at anytime in his life, even at the very end of it.
A. Mar 15:32 - ...And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
B. Luk 23:39 - And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
C. Luk 23:40 - But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
D. Luk 23:41 - And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
E. Luk 23:42 - And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
F. Luk 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.